Groundsman of the Year

It was only last month that The FA recognised football's unsung heroes with the Groundsman of the Year Awards at Windsor Racecourse but the nomination process for next year's prize giving is already underway.

Highlights from the this year's event included Bognor Regis Town's Eddie Broadbent picking up the Conference Award for his pitch at Nyewood Lane while Richard Cale was the Step 3 & 4 winner for his playing surface at Unibond outfit Garforth Town.

BBC commentator, John Motson, who helped present the prizes at this year's event, is a big fan of the awards.

"You have to congratulate The FA for putting on Groundsman of the Year. They're recognising unsung heroes from across the football pyramid and long may it continue," said the 63-year-old.

Nominations are for the 2008-2009 season and FA Facilities Manager, Steve Williams, explained more about the judging process: "It's a great event and The FA are delighted to honour hardworking groundsman from the full football spectrum.

"A good pitch isn't just about money. Our judges will be looking at the experience of the groundsman and the amount of time they spend on it, regardless of weather and budget," he said.

Groundsman of the Year 2009 will be divided into the following League categories:

Step 1 - 4

Step 5 - 6

Step 7 and below

Completed nominations should be submitted to your affiliated league or County FA.

The deadline date for nominations is 19 December except clubs in the Step 1-4 category who have until 9 January 2009.

Source :- The FA. com